Alan Smith : Lucas Perez Gives Arsenal ‘A New Option’

Lucas Perez will provide Arsenal with a vital extra attacking option, according to former Gunners striker Alan Smith.

Perez scored his first and second goals for the club in Tuesday’s night’s 4-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.

“It was good to see him do well and it was good to see him causing damage through the middle,” he said.

“The goals will certainly boost his morale. [Alexis] Sanchez has been playing as a false nine, so Perez definitely gives them another option.

“It’s a contrast to what they had already and that’s what they needed. He might be a late developer but he’s a good option for Arsene Wenger.”

Wenger himself praised Lucas’ contribution – even if he did highlight the Spaniard’s apparent over-reliance on his left foot.

determined. He uses well his left foot – a bit too much in my taste. He doesn’t use his right enough. Overall he’s like all the left-footed players, you know.

“But I like his second goal because he has shown not only technique but determination and fight for the ball and finishing and I like that. The part he played in the goal of [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain shows his awareness of other people and it is intelligent play.”